Best Conversation Con Artists Podcasts (2025)

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Jan Gradvall on “The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover” 8:19

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3d ago8:19

8:19

"When you hear a song, you start to think of your own life, your own emotion, and a sort of story appears." - Jan Gradvall Welcome: We’re joined on the Starline by one of Sweden’s most respected music journalists. He has developed a close relationship with the band ABBA. His book “The Story of ABBA: Melancholy Undercover” is out. We welcome and wis…

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Leah Rothman on 'The Real Killer' 8:41

3d ago8:41

8:41

"If you have a lot of money, justice is easier to find." Welcome Leah Rothman: We’re joined on the Starline by a writer, producer, director who has worked for countless companies sharing stories and getting to the bottom of documentary, true crime and much more. Her latest project is the podcast “The Real Killer”. We welcome Leah Rothman. Leah, let…

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‘Arthouse’ TV: Chicago Artist Linc Thelen on Bridging the Gap Between Creatives and Communities 52:49

6d ago52:49

52:49

In today’s episode, we shine a spotlight on Linc Thelen, a Chicago-based artist who plays a key role in Arthouse, an unscripted home design television show. Produced by Crewest Studio and supported by the nonprofit Arterial, NOT REAL ART’s fiscal sponsor, Arthouse aims to bridge the gap between talented artists and everyday people, redefining how a…

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Just Say Yes (Pre-Intermediate) 1:04:19

6d ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! ⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes⁠⁠ Tony cannot say no. So he eats food he doesn't like, does a job he hates, and goes on holidays where he almost dies. But when his friend asks him to marry her, will he still say yes? Go to ⁠⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Yes⁠⁠ for the full transcript. Get episodes witho…

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Carlo Mendez : Embracing the Bad Guy 8:37

6d ago8:37

8:37

"Every time I book an acting job, I feel like a kid at Disneyland. I can't believe it, and I'm so excited that I can't think straight." Welcome Carlo Mendez: We’re joined on the Starline by an actor and producer where acting runs in the family. You’ve seen him in “Parks and Recreation”, “The Bay” and now on Showtime’s “Dexter: Original Sin”. We wel…

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Kyle Tekiela on "Crook County" 8:57

9d ago8:57

8:57

"Just that opening line, that's how he opened up to me for the first time. And then I have to go into, you know, the whole thing, and that's how the journey even started." Welcome Kyle Tekiela: We’re joined on the Starline by an Emmy Award winning producer & editor. He’s picking up the pieces after finding out his firefighter dad was actually a hit…

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Reimagining Art for Your Home: Carmen Acosta on the ‘Arthouse’ TV Series 1:03:56

13d ago1:03:56

1:03:56

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Carmen Acosta, also known as Jane Dope, back to the podcast. The experienced LA artist and curator will soon assume her new role as host of the unscripted home design television show “Arthouse.” Produced by Crewest Studio and supported by the nonprofit Arterial, NOT REAL ART’s fiscal sponsor, “Arthouse”…

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The Devil Made Me Do It (Conversation) 43:02

13d ago43:02

43:02

Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! ⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes I do a tarot reading, and I draw THE DEVIL!! Dun dun dun... Will I survive, or is my future all going up in flames? Go to ⁠⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Devil for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at ⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support⁠⁠. …

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Podcaster Caroline D'Amore on "Once Upon a Con" 8:11

13d ago8:11

8:11

"When you are a good person, you will not see this coming. You will just assume that people are good people." Welcome Caroline D’Amore We’re joined on the Starline by a powerhouse woman who has lived 9 lives, each one more impressive than the last. But she was conned and now on a mission of justice. Her podcast is “Once Upon a Con” we welcome host …

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Nicolas Cage, Ethan Hawke and Chris Woolsey : Binge Watching Beyond the Mic 19:00

14d ago19:00

19:00

"It’s a really beautiful story. It’s also really intriguing and it’ll pull at the heartstrings." Welcome Chris Woolsey We’re joined on the Starline by a friend of the program, and associate communications director at Vizio. We welcome back our friend Chris Woolsey. You’re so kind my friend. Let’s go Binge Watching Beyond the Mic. Chris, Memorial Da…

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ConCreates: How Ex-Cons Built a Successful Creative Agency 1:17:27

20d ago1:17:27

1:17:27

In this week’s episode, host Scott “Sourdough” Power welcomes Vincent Bragg and Joe Michael Nickson, the co-founders of ConCreates, a creative agency that elevates the talents of individuals with criminal backgrounds. Vincent and Joe, both former inmates who met in prison, tell us how their lived experiences inspired them to challenge societal ster…

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Renee Kathleen Koher Takes Morticia to New Fluidity 20:55

21d ago20:55

20:55

"Art is very important and especially musicals and telling stories." - Renee Kathleen Koher Welcome Renee Kathleen Koher: We’re joined on the Starline by an actress, graduate of the Hartt School of Music. You’ve seen her on Disney Cruise Lines, at Tokyo Disney and theatres around the world. She’s currently part of the national tour of “The Addams F…

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Elizabeth Vargas from NewsNation 9:19

25d ago9:19

9:19

"We've got a big job right now and there's a lot going on and a lot to cover." Welcome Elizabeth Vargas: We’re joined on the Starline by an award winning journalist, anchor, host, author, podcaster and proud mom. You can see her weeknights on NewsNation with “Elizabeth Vargas Reports”. We welcome Elizabeth Vargas. Elizabeth, let’s go Beyond the Mic…

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Ollie Palmer from FX's "Welcome to Wrexham" 7:09

26d ago7:09

7:09

"I think just in life, obviously, everyone goes through the tough times and everyone has tragedies and, you know, these moments kind of shape who you are." Welcome Ollie Palmer: We’re joined on the Starline by an athlete, clothing designer and former roofer and still recovering from Las Vegas. You’ve seen him play everywhere especially in FX’s “Wel…

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How ‘Arthouse’ Makes Original Artwork Accessible to Everyone 24:22

27d ago24:22

24:22

Forget the sales gimmicks—“Arthouse” is here to support artists sidelined by the traditional gallery model. In today's episode, our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, founder of nonprofit media platform Arterial, discusses the concept behind “Arthouse,” an innovative TV series currently in pre-production. This series, which is fiscally sponsored by Art…

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Have You Met Elaine? (Intermediate) 50:19

27d ago50:19

50:19

Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes⁠ Have you met Elaine? Elaine is very giving, but not very nice. Oh, she loves everyone, but she shows her love through action, not smiles. And Elaine has a secret, which only I know about... Go to ⁠⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Elaine⁠ for the full transcript. Get episodes…

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Comedian Shannon Fiedler on “Thirty, Flirty and Crying” 8:00

1M ago8:00

8:00

"I consider my comedy to be decently broad in that I think anyone could watch it and laugh at it." Welcome Shannon Fiedler: We’re joined on the Starline by a comedian, writer, actress, content creator and nacho enthusiast. You’ve seen her on “Two Weeks Notice”, “Law & Order: SVU” and all over TikTok. Her comedy special on YouTube is “Thirty, Flirty…

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Matthew Specktor on his Hollywood book "The Golden Hour" 7:52

1M ago7:52

7:52

"Art and business are always diametrically opposed in Hollywood. The tension between them is what animates everything." Welcome Matthew Specktor: We’re joined on the Starline by an author and screenwriter. Some of his novels are “Always Crashing in the Same Car” and “Hollywood Dream Machine” among other interesting tales. His latest is “The Golden …

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Filmmaker Badir McClearly Unveils the Depths of Public Art in Season Two of ‘Remote’ 57:55

1M ago57:55

57:55

Public art in America transforms ordinary streets into extraordinary canvases for everyone to enjoy. Today, we welcome back filmmaker Badir McCleary for a sneak peek into Remote, his documentary series on contemporary public art. In this episode, Badir gives our host, Scott “Sourdough” Power, the inside scoop on season two, slated for release on NO…

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6 Things I Wish I'd Done Sooner (Conversation) 1:04:20

1M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes I discuss six things I wish I'd done sooner in life, tell you about my 32nd birthday and discuss some books and films I've enjoyed recently. Go to ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Sooner⁠ for the full transcript. List of books: Butter by Asako Yuzuki Invisible Cities by Italo…

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Animating the Human Spirit: Insights From Emmy Winner Bob Boyle on Community and Creativity 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

What happens when the worlds of animation and fine art collide? This week on the NOT REAL ART podcast, host Scott "Sourdough" Power sits down with the talented Bob Boyle, an Emmy Award-winning animation creator whose work spans Disney to Netflix. In today’s episode, Bob dives into the fascinating connections and contrasts between animation and visu…

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Return to the Sea (Intermediate) 50:21

1M ago50:21

50:21

Book a class in June and July and get 50% off! EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Classes An old fisherman sits by the sea, waiting for fish to come. He has seen the world change hugely through his life. But today, something different is waiting in the water: something monstrous. Go to ⁠EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Return for the full transcript. Get episodes wi…

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Illeana Kirven on Playing Matron Momma Morton in "Chicago, the Musical" 28:26

1M ago28:26

28:26

"It was so good after the pandemic to jump back on the stage and to jump into such an iconic, meaty, sassy role. I couldn't ask for anything else." Welcome Illeana Kirven: We’re joined on the Starline by an award winning singer, actor, dancer, director and choreographer. You’ve seen her in the national tour of “The Sunshine Boys” among hundreds of …

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Journalist Jenn Swann on "My Friend Daisy: a Murder Solved in DM's" 11:04

2M ago11:04

11:04

I think digging into this case and looking at other sort of true crime stories on social media, there are definitely so many instances where things can go wrong. Welcome Jenn Swann We’re joined on the Starline by an award-winning journalist, editor and producer. She has written about online fame, fandom and misunderstood communities. She tells the …

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Mark Brickey: From Punk Rocker to Podcaster to Disneyland Expert 1:10:38

2M ago1:10:38

1:10:38

In our fast-paced world, staying ahead creatively means rolling with the punches. This week on the podcast, host Scott Sourdough Power, founder of NOT REAL ART, talks with Mark Brickey, host of the acclaimed arts podcast Adventures in Design. Mark, who started as a musician, has made a name for himself as a content creator with a successful podcast…

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Building Trust, Telling Stories: Indigenous Life through Kiliii Yüyan’s Lens 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

"Passing on anything that it is I learned becomes more and more important every year that goes by." Welcome Kiliii Yüyan: We’re joined on the Starline by one of the most empathetic explorers around. His photography has won awards, he has survived a polar bear on the hunt and charmed sea snakes. He’s out on tour talking about the “Life on Thin Ice” …

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Live at Desert X 2025: Cannupa Hanska Luger and Gerald Clarke in conversation with Desert X Co-curator Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

This live conversation features artists Gerald Clarke and Cannupa Hanska Luger and Desert X Co-curator Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas and took place March 29, 2025 at the Thompson Hotel in Palm Springs, CA as a part of the Desert X 2025 program. This lively discussion between these two Indigenous artists unfolds reflections around land ownership, maintenan…

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Koichi Sakamoto on "Shogun’s Ninja" 15:59

2M ago15:59

15:59

"When you have emotions, the fighting gets even better because you get attached." Welcome Koichi Sakamoto: We’re joined on the Starline by a Japanese film and TV director, stunt performer and fight choreographer. You’ve seen his work from “Power Rangers” and “Black Fox”. His latest project is the action film “Shogun’s Ninja”. We welcome Koichi Saka…

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Fostering a Creative Economy: The Mission Behind NOT REAL ART and Fiscal Sponsor Arterial 9:58

2M ago9:58

9:58

In this month’s auditorial episode, we dive into some exciting discussions around fiscal sponsorship and how it can really benefit artists. But we don’t just stop there; we also explore the deeper connection between NOT REAL ART and its parent nonprofit, Arterial, when it comes to the role of art in our culture. Host and Arterial founder Scott shar…

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Saint George and the Dragon (Rerun) 40:55

2M ago40:55

40:55

Today's episode is a rerun of an older story. Before we get into the story, I talk about my religious experiences during Easter. St George is a famous mythical figure throughout Europe. Most versions of his story involve him fighting and killing a dragon who is causing problems in a city. But in my version, things are bit... smellier. Go to ⁠EasySt…

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Mono Arts Council Executive Director Kristin Reese Champions Arts Education for Children 1:01:40

2M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Kristin Reese, the executive director of the Mono Arts Council. Kristin shares her journey and dedication to promoting creativity in the Eastern Sierra region of California. In our conversation, she outlines the Mono Arts Council’s evolution, emphasizing its shift toward arts education. Kristin believes tha…

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Guess Who's Moving to China? (Conversation) 39:36

2M ago39:36

39:36

I discuss my upcoming move to Ningbo, China, as well as full moon drumming circles and shamanistic journeying. It's a travel around the world, both physically and spiritually! Go to EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/China for the full transcript. Get episodes without adverts + bonus episodes at EasyStoriesInEnglish.com/Support. Your support is appreciated! …

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A Decade of Art, Action, and Dialogue- Long Con Live with Sterlin Harjo and Cannupa Hanska Luger 1:23:04

2M ago1:23:04

1:23:04

This special live program took place on November 2, 2024 and featured a screening of Sterlin Harjo's documentary Love & Fury, a film where Sterlin follows Native artists for a year as they navigated their careers in the US and abroad. Love & Fury explores the immense complexities each artist faces in regards to their own identity as Native artists,…

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Binge Watching Beyond the Mic - Romance & Val Kilmer 15:41

2M ago15:41

15:41

"Relationships are tough and complicated and require constant work and attention." Welcome Chris Woolsey We’re joined on the Starline by a friend of the program, and associate communications director at Vizio. We welcome back our friend Chris Woolsey. I’m doing great, let’s go Binge Watching Beyond the Mic. Chris, since we’ve last talked you’ve mov…